Apr 21 2026

Collective Singing and Music as Social Medicine

Odehmenan Health Equity Center Speaker Series

April 21, 2026

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Location

Library of Health Sciences, Odehmenan Health Equity Center

Address

1750 W. Polk Street, Suite 220, Chicago, IL 60612

Calendar

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Presented by Dr. Johari Jabir, University of Illinois Chicago’s Gospel Choir with Caleb Blackmond and Makedah Abraham

Tuesday, April 21 • 5:30 to 7:00 pm

Please join us on the evening of Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7:00pm for a dinner, lecture and performance in April’s edition of the Odehmenan Health Equity Speaker Series. We are honored to be joined by Dr. Johari Jabir from UIC’s Department of Black Studies and students from UIC’s Gospel Choir Club including their founder, president and conductor Caleb Blackmond and the Odeh Center’s very own Makedah Abraham.

The goal of this program is for all of us to come together and show that we are better together than we are apart by practicing radical solidarity with one another, learning about the history of gospel music, and collectively singing alongside UIC's Gospel Choir Club.

Please note: This program will be hybrid. It will be livestreamed via Zoom and will not be recorded. The Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program. We will be providing dinner for all in attendance.

RSVP

Contact

Cassandra Solis
cmsolis2@uic.edu

Date posted

Mar 10, 2026

Date updated

Mar 27, 2026

Speakers

Johari Jabir PhD, MDiv | Assoc. Head and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Black Studies Program | UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Johari Jabir is a musician and scholar. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Johari began piano lessons at an early age and was immersed in the expressive culture of St. Louis’ Black working class religious community, which is the foundation for his continued practice as a musician, cultural historian, and contemplative teacher. His researching, teaching, and writing includes Prison Abolition, Religion and Spirituality in the African Black Diaspora, Black Music and Social Transformation, and Contemplative Pedagogy and Public Education.

Caleb Blackmond | Student at the UIC School of Theater and Music, and President of UIC Gospel Choir Club

Caleb Blackmond is a fourth-year student at UIC working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a special interest in voice and conducting. In January of 2025, Caleb, along with the other board members revived the Gospel Choir at UIC. The Gospel Choir recently performed in collaboration with Bandwith Chicago, a Chicago-based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote wellness for underserved Chicago communities through lasting access to high quality performing arts programs, and has also had the pleasure of performing at various churches, UIC recruitment events, and Black History Month celebrations. Caleb sings in the UIC Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Caleb is a Bella Voce Scholar, a Future Music Educator with United Voices Chicago, a President’s Award Scholar, and has had the recent honor of guest conducting with the South Loop Symphony. He looks forward to expanding his artistry through conducting, band leadership, singing, and education.

Makedah Abraham | Student at the UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Odeh Center Undergraduate Student Staff

Makedah Abraham has been singing in choirs since the 2nd grade. In addition to being a student and her role in the Odeh Center, during her time at UIC, she has participated UIC's Gospel Choir, Treble Choir, and Chamber Choir. She has a professional goal of occupational therapy, hoping to help people with physical disabilities and/or cognitive impairments be able to reach their goals, and be able to make daily tasks easier and more accessible. In her free time, Makedah enjoys singing, songwriting, and all things artsy and crafty.